Fire chiefs warn over industrial action

FIRE chiefs have urged people to take ‘extra care’ during strikes by firefighters next month.

Crews will man the picket lines in May after efforts to reach an agreement – over proposals which would see them work until they are 60 to get their full pension – fell apart.

Firefighters will strike:

l Between noon and 5pm on Friday, May 2;

l Between 2pm and 2am on Saturday, May 3;

l Between 10am and 3pm on Sunday, May 4.

Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service area manager Gavin Tomlinson said : “We will still be responding to 999 calls albeit at a reduced level.

“Once again we are asking members of the public to take extra steps to reduce the risk of a fire breaking out in their home and to take extra care when driving on the roads during times of industrial action.

“Fire can start for a variety of reasons, from cooking being left unattended, to electrical faults.

“It is therefore essential that everyone ensures that they have a working smoke alarm fitted on every level of their home, to provide vital early warning of a fire of any kind.”